Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans with a WWII historian and tour guide: WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT OUR TOUR
- TOUR DURATION: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours (from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.)
- TOUR PRICE: €90 per person
- YOUR TOUR GUIDE: Anna Maria Priora
- MAXIMUM GROUP SIZE: 12 people
- TRANSPORTATION: 1 or 2 vans
- NOT RECOMMENDED FOR YOUNG CHILDREN
- ITINERARY:A guided tour lasting approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of the most significant American World War II sites in the Cassino area:
- The slopes of Monte Trocchio
- The banks of the Rapido River and the Peace Bell
- The war memorial dedicated to the 36th Texas Division
- The Commonwealth War Cemetery
- The village of Caira
- The banks of the Rapido River and the Rio Secco
- The Barracks and Caruso Road
- REVIEWS: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Read them here)
- WHAT ELSE CAN I VISIT NEARBY WITH A TOUR GUIDE?
- ✅ San Pietro Infine and the Mignano Pass (Mignano gap and Winterline)
- HOW TO BOOK:
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans with a WWII historian and tour guide: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Table of Contents
In the summer of 1940, war started again in Europe. President Roosevelt mobilized the National Guard as a precaution for a year of training. War came to America when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on Sunday, December 7, 1941. A few weeks after the attack, the first American soldiers arrived in Europe, ready to liberate it.
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: the 36th Texas Division
The US Army’s 36th Division, variously known as the Texas Division or the T-Patchers—named for the distinctive “T” insignia sewn on the upper arm of their uniforms—began its long campaign in Italy by marching in a holiday parade in Rabat alongside the Moroccan Sultan’s Guard, accompanied by a long line of tanks and trucks.
The commander of the 36th was General Fred Livingood Walker, and while he was marching in the same parade, he already knew that the 36th would be joining Mark Clark for the next Allied action against the Axis in Italy. Around the same time, Patton and theSeventhArmy had invaded Sicily, and Clark needed the T-Patchers for the upcoming ItalianCampaign.
Lieutenant General Mark Clark in Charge in Italy
But who was Mark Clark? General Mark Clark was 47 years old and was considered by many contemporaries to be vain, superficial, and even ineffectual. Churchill called himthe “American Eagle”for his aquiline nose, and Clark insisted on being photographed only from one side. He attended West Point, but nobody particularly remembered him until his friendship with Eisenhower helped him become the youngest lieutenant general in US Army history. At that point, he understood that the only way to achieve fame was to succeed in Italy and take Rome. To accomplish this, Clark had onlythree divisionsscheduled to land at Salerno. General Montgomery, a highly experienced British commander, considered this plan a gamble.
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: the 34th Red Bull Division
At the end of 1943 the34thwas part of General Mark Clark’s 5th Army. The men landed at Salerno and advanced slowly through mountains and rivers, with orrible weather, capturing many villages and towns. The 36Th Division lost about 200 men during the landing Fighting along the Italian peninsula was not easy, but slowly, step by step, the Germans were pushed back in the direction of the famous Gustav Line. The objectives along the Highway 6 were taken: first of all Monte Pantano, then the Village of San Vittore del Lazio, then the two Hills called Monte Chiaia andMonte Trocchio.(Readhereto learn more about these actions.)
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans: the 36th Texas Division
When the 36th and 34th Divisions arrived at Mount Trocchio, the men faced the Liri Valley and Cassino. However, the most imposing and dangerous objective was Monte Cassino Abbey, perched atop the hill.
While the 36th Division was sent to cross the Rapido River and advance through the valley, the 34th Division also had to cross the river to reach its objective: Monte Cassino Abbey. They attempted to storm the ancient abbey, but the Germans defended it fiercely, while the 36th suffered heavy losses crossing theBloody River.
Breaking the Gustav Line
To break the Gustav Line, the Allies needed tosendaround 20 divisions into battle, and it took them nearly four months to drive the Germans out. Between the last months of 1943 and mid-February 1944, the 34th Divisionlost thousands of lives. Afterward, the American army gave them some rest, and in March, the men were sent into action at Anzio.
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans with a WWII historian and tour guide: WHAT TO EXPECT
The “Monte Cassino Battlefields tours for Americans” (about 3 hours) includes:
1) Pickup from the railway station in Cassino every day at 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM (Main Square, near the Green Kiosk)
2) A guided tour lasting approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes of the Americanmost meaningful sitesof Cassino:
- Monte Trocchio slopes
- Rapido river banks and the Peace Bell
- The war monument dedicated to the 36th Texas Division
- The Commonwealth war cemetery
- Caira village
- the Rapido River and Rio Secco banks
- The Barracks and the Caruso Road
3)return to the railway station in Cassino at 01:30 PM or 05:30 PM
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans with a WW2 historian and tour guide: WHEN AND WHERE
TOUR DURATION: about 3 hours
DEPARTURE TIME: Daily at 10:00 AM and 02:00 PM
MEETING POINT: Cassino Railway Station (Main Square, near the Green Kiosk)
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Professional WWII Guidance
- Transportation in a modern van with air conditioning
- Donation to the monastery
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Lunch and dinner are not included
PRICE PER PERSON: 90 euros
PAYMENT:
- No advance payment required
- Payment can be made in cash to your guide during the tour
Monte Cassino Battlefield Tours for Americans with a WWII historian and tour guide: More Tours Available in This Area
34th Division Battlefield Tour (the Red Bulls)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
36th Texas Division Battlefield Tour⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monte Cassino Battlefield tour for Nisei⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans
Monte Cassino Battlefield tours for Americans following the foorsteps of the 36th and 34th Divisions. Tour held by Anna Maria Priora, local guide and WWII Expert. Price per person
SKU del prodotto:Anericans1
Brand di prodotto:Monte Cassino War Tours
Valuta del prodotto:Eur
Prezzo del prodotto:90
Prezzo valido fino a:30-12-2030
Prodotto in magazzino:InStock
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